Weaponizing Morality: New Report Exposes Sharp Rise in Censorship of LGBTIQ Publications Under Outdated Malaysian Law

Joint Press Release
Amnesty International Malaysia & Justice for Sisters
16 July 2025

Justice for Sisters, in partnership with Amnesty International Malaysia, launched a groundbreaking report today revealing the alarming scale and scope of censorship targeting LGBTIQ-related content under Malaysia’s Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).

Titled “Censorship of LGBTIQ Expressions under the PPPA”, the report highlights how the PPPA has become a blunt tool to suppress freedom of expression and reinforce state-sponsored discrimination against LGBTIQ people.

Between 2020 and May 2025, 13 publications with LGBTIQ themes or content were banned in Malaysia—making up almost half (42%) of all banned publications in the country. The banned publications include books, graphic novels, watches, packaging, and even boxes and wrappers. In just the first five months of 2025, the number of banned items under the PPPA has doubled compared to the whole of 2024, indicating an alarming trend that censorship is on the rise in Malaysia.

“The data shows a clear trend:  there has been a sharp increase in state censorship of LGBTIQ publications under the guise of public morality and national security—both vague and overly broad justifications,” said thilaga sulathireh, co-founder of Justice for Sisters.

“Invoking these terms with discriminatory intent not only lacks legitimacy—it violates international human rights law.”

The report unpacks the weaponization of national security, public order, public health and public morality as grounds to ban LGBTIQ related publications—terms that are undefined and arbitrarily applied. These actions violate Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which protect freedom of expression and prohibit discrimination.

It also documents the devastating impact of censorship on LGBTIQ individuals, based on findings from a 2021 study, including:

• Self-censorship and suppression of identity: Nearly 48% of LGBTIQ respondents reported having to tone down their self-expression due to a decreased sense of safety.
• Mental health toll: 56% said state-sponsored discrimination led to increased stress and mental health burden.
• Trust Deficit: Only 17% felt comfortable reporting discrimination to authorities.
• Forced migration: 39% had thought of or made plans to migrate or seek asylum as a result of the increasing anti-LGBTIQ sentiments.

“This report highlights not only the growing censorship of LGBTIQ-related content, but also the broader and dangerous powers the PPPA grants the state to silence expression across society.” said Kiran Kaur, the Freedom of Expression Campaigner at Amnesty International Malaysia.

“Laws and state action should encourage the promotion and protection of the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression. Laws like the PPPA cannot be weaponized by authorities to silence LGBTIQ voices and promote harmful narratives rooted in discrimination.”

The increased censorship of LGBTIQ publications is part of a broader crackdown on freedom of expression in Malaysia. This is further compounded by the Madani government’s proposed amendments to the PPPA which would not only extend its scope to digital publications, but also to matters related to 3R—race, religion, royalty—a dangerous expansion of state power that deepens control over public discourse and accelerates the erosion of civic space in Malaysia. The amendments also seek to raise criminal penalties, expand powers of search and seizure, and reinstate licensing and permit requirements for media outlets, undermining years of progress on media freedom.

Amnesty International Malaysia and Justice for Sisters call for:

• An immediate halt to these regressive amendments to the PPPA;
• Repeal of the PPPA and other repressive laws such as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act;
• Urgent legal reform to align Malaysia’s laws with international human rights standards on freedom of expression and non-discrimination.

END

For media queries or to request for an interview with a spokesperson, please contact Amnesty International Malaysia’s Communications Officer, Divya Shesshsan Balakrishnan, at [email protected]